So far, the Olympic legacy has had a rocky look about it. For Jessica Ennis, global fame and national treasure status have been tempered by her coach losing his job and her stadium being earmarked for demolition.

The knockers would say the power brokers have proved more two-faced than the eccentric Italian high jumper who pitched up here with beard and moustache shaved in half.

But what is clear is that there is not going to be a collective sigh and slump from British athletes now that the bunting has come down.